The Philippine National Police (PNP) urged the members of two major transport groups not to harass drivers who would not join them in the two-day nationwide strike starting Monday, Sept, 23.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said that while the government fully respects the right of the Manibela and Piston to hold protest action, their members should also recognize the right of other transport operators and drivers to ply their routes.
“We are always ready and our police forces are always on standby. We reiterate our appeal for them to respect the rights of other drivers who will not join the transport strike,” said Fajardo.
The two transport groups have been protesting the implementation of the Public Transportation Modernization Program following the declaration of President Marcos that the program will continue despite the call of almost all the senators to delay it.
Piston and Manibela are asking the government to cancel the consolidation of operators and the renewal of franchises and registration of all public utility vehicles. The groups are also asking for the rehabilitation of traditional jeepneys and subsidies for local industries.
Fajardo said police units were tasked to monitor the situation in their respective areas and to assist stranded passengers.
“The order of our Chief PNP (Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil) is to provide free rides to the stranded commuters,” said Fajardo.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), on the other hand, said it will monitor the transport strike and will immediately intervene if there would be stranded commuters.
The MMDA earlier said that it does not usually send vehicles for free rides since this would affect the income of the drivers who would not join transport strikes.